Gisborne eateries in general could do with a little service shake-up but it is often difficult to get well-trained staff in a faraway place like Gisborne. You certainly won't go hungry - it just may lack a little finesse. That said, there are one or two gems. La Quay, 6 Reads Quay (tel. 06/868-7578), is slightly voluminous and lacking character, but I mention it here because this new cafe with a small delicatessen is handily located beside Portside Hotel. I enjoyed very good coffee here. And you'll seldom leave The Fettuccine Brothers, 12-14 Peel St. (tel. 06/868-5700), hungry. They're a reliable Italian-inspired local favorite and they have an extensive pasta takeaway menu too. They're open Monday through Saturday from 4:30pm.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.